The BIRDS utilizes food incentives with the aim of conditioning birds to scavenge for littered used
cigarettes and deposit them into a controlled storage, so humans can safely dispose. Our product targets
public outdoor spaces that are prone to littering. The system utilizes image recognition software to ensure
that only birds are permitted access to the system and its incentives. Additionally, the same software
discriminates against the submitted items to ensure birds only get a food reward for giving the desired
object, a cigarette. While this project specifically aims to collect cigarettes, our platform has the ability to
adapt to different object requests and participant discrimination by simple software updates and no change
to the hardware. With regards to the optical design of our project, lens system designs for both the bird
recognition camera and the cigarette recognition camera were implemented to best suit the imaging needs
and fields of view for each camera’s computer vision case. A laser motion sensor was also designed and
included in our system to serve as the activator for cigarette image recognition, with the motivation of
conserving power. We aim to have our product autonomously operate for long periods of time without
maintenance. Our product also has a robust design that is less prone to obstruction. For these reasons, our
product outcompetes the current market offerings as it offers multiple applications and combines
advantages of competitors.
Project Website
(Must be on UCF WIFI or VPN to access)Advisors: Justin Phelps, Zakhia Abichar, Bahaa Saleh, Reza Abdolvand
Sponsor: Justin Phelps